Table of Contents
FC Bayern München’s Frauen kicked off the 2025/2026 Frauen Bundesliga in style, outclassing Bayer 04 Leverkusen 2–0 at the Allianz Arena on 6 September 2025. The reigning champions set the tone for the new season, combining dominance in possession with clinical finishing and solid defensive work.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Bayern Frauen | Leverkusen Frauen |
|---|---|---|
| Ball possession | 68 % | 32 % |
| Total shots | 13 | 8 |
| Shots on target | 6 | 4 |
| Big chances | 4 | 1 |
| Goalkeeper saves | 4 | 3 |
| Passes | 606 | 281 |
| Tackles | 10 | 27 |
| Final-third entries | 67 | 33 |
| Tackles won (%) | 90 % | 67 % |
Bayern took control early with near-total possession and sharp passing 606 to 281, dominating final-third entries 67 vs. 33, and crafting four big chances compared to Leverkusen’s solitary one. Their space management and attacking structure overwhelmed Leverkusen, who were forced to defend resolutely and absorb pressure.
Key Moments & Match Flow
First half despite Bayern’s control, both teams entered the break goalless. Leverkusen defended well but offered little going forward.
46′ Substitution Impact: Lea Schüller made way for Klara Bühl, introducing fresh legs and attacking impetus.
76′ – Goal : Vanessa Gilles latched onto a left-side delivery and headed Bayern into the lead, timing her movement perfectly from a Klara Bühl cross.
77′ – Goal : Just 60 seconds later, Bühl turned provider. She penetrated down the left, crossed back into the box for Schüller to slot home doubling Bayern’s advantage.
Late Game: Leverkusen’s late forays were consistently thwarted by keeper Ena Mahmutovic, who matched the match’s four saves.
Bayern München Frauen’s opening-day victory over Bayer Leverkusen was not only about the result but also about the way it unfolded tactically. The champions imposed their style, adjusted when needed, and eventually wore down a disciplined opponent. From the start, Bayern operated in their familiar 4-2-3-1 system, which often shifted into a 4-3-3 when in possession. Sarah Zadrazil and Georgia Stanway anchored the midfield, while Linda Dallmann drifted between the lines to connect play. With Vanessa Gilles and Magdalena Eriksson stepping high, the back line pushed Leverkusen deep, allowing full-backs Carolin Simon and Franziska Kett to advance almost like wingers. This territorial dominance was reflected in the numbers: Bayern completed 606 passes compared to Leverkusen’s 281 and made 67 entries into the final third.
Despite their control, Bayern went into the break at 0–0. The game changed immediately after half-time when Klara Bühl replaced Lea Schüller. Bühl’s direct running and ability to stretch the pitch down the left side gave Bayern a new dimension. Instead of trying to break through Leverkusen’s compact centre, Bayern began to exploit the wide spaces. Bühl constantly drew defenders out of position and forced Leverkusen’s right flank into overload situations. Her influence was decisive: first delivering the corner that Vanessa Gilles headed in for the opener, then moments later cutting inside to combine with Jovana Damnjanović, leading to Bayern’s second goal. Within two minutes, Bayern had transformed dominance into a winning lead.
Leverkusen entered with a clear strategy sit in a narrow 4-4-2 shape, block central channels, and frustrate Bayern’s tempo. For 75 minutes, the plan largely worked. Keeper Friederike Repohl made four saves, and centre-backs Turányi and Wenger dealt well with Bayern’s initial aerial threat. However, once Bühl was introduced and Bayern stretched the game wide, the compact defensive block was pulled apart, and gaps inevitably opened.
Another key to Bayern’s performance was their aggressive counter-press. Each time Leverkusen tried to break out through Ruby Grant or Carlotta Wamser, Bayern’s midfield suffocated the transition. Zadrazil, in particular, was outstanding at winning second balls and recycling possession. Leverkusen’s best moments came from direct balls to Vanessa Fudalla, but Gilles’s positioning and aerial strength ensured Bayern rarely looked exposed.
This was a victory built on patience, tactical adjustment, and squad depth. Bayern showed they can dominate possession but also switch gears when needed, with Bühl’s introduction proving the decisive move. For Leverkusen, the performance showed defensive resilience and a well-structured plan, but also highlighted how difficult it is to resist Bayern’s sustained pressure for a full 90 minutes.
Player of the Match: Klara Bühl stands out for her direct impact a crucial assist on Gilles’s opener, followed instantly by a goal. Her creativity and timing unlocked a resilient Leverkusen backline.
Honorable Mention: Ena Mahmutovic delivered a calm and timely performance in goal, including multiple key saves that preserved a clean sheet
Lineups
Bayern Frauen (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Ena Mahmutovic
- Defenders: Carolin Simon, Vanessa Gilles, Magdalena Eriksson, Franziska Kett
- Midfielders: Sarah Zadrazil (captain), Georgia Stanway, Linda Dallmann
- Forwards: Jovana Damnjanović, Lea Schüller, Klara Bühl
Bayer 04 Leverkusen Frauen (4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper: Friederike Repohl
- Defenders: Claudia Wenger, Lilla Turányi, Julia Mickenhagen, Carlotta Wamser
- Midfielders: Sofie Zdebel, Katharina Piljić, Ruby Grant, Cornelia Kramer
- Forwards: Kristin Kögel, Vanessa Fudalla
Bayern Frauen delivered a statement in front of a packed Allianz Arena: disciplined defending, controlled tempo, and lethal finishing secured a 2–0 win and ideal start to the new season.
